The frog that could save the world: Colombia's Starry Night Toad

[Judi Lynn]

9 Nov 2022

Thought to be extinct for 30 years, the starry night harlequin toad is thriving in Colombia due to the local way of life.

In Colombia, Arhuaco leader Ruperto Chaparro Villafaña teams up with scientists to save the critically endangered starry night harlequin toad.

They need to unite both indigenous and western scientific knowledge to understand the role of the toads in the unique ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain and the sacred land of the Arhuacos.

The life cycle of the frog helps determine when to cultivate and harvest different crops – the reason this species is a bellwether for their community-based project.

Chaparro Villafaña must also defend their territory against illegal land grabbers, even as he is working with scientists to find the cure for a deadly fungus that threatens all harlequin toad species in the Central, South and North America.

https://www.aljazeera.com/program/first-nations-frontline/2022/11/9/the-frog-that-could-save-the-world-colombias-starry-night-toad

[Judi Lynn]

1. I'm part of the way through the video, and it finally dawned on me

that the leader they came to travel with, Ruperto is chewing coca! I had totally forgotten about that custom they have throughout the Andes. At first I believed he was eating while talking to the scientists. Derp!

Do you recall seeing photographs previously of other Colombian indigenous citizens carrying around bags with them, some of them like the ones in this photo? They carry coca in them, to assist them in their activities at high altitudes, one of the benefits being preventing altitude sickness....



Thought I'd mention it, as I felt stupid after I realized Rupert wasn't just scarfing down treats while talking to his guests!

[Quakerfriend]

2. I noticed that as well, Judi

My sisters are going to be in Colombia in March & plan on visiting Santa Marta.

I will share this with them. They will love it!

[Judi Lynn]

3. Oh, wow! After seeing your post, I looked for a photo of Santa Marta....

Tayrona National Park



All that beautiful shore, and amazing mountains, too!



Ancient structures, also. Wow.

What a trip they have ahead of them! It's beautiful!

Thanks for your comment! Very cheered up to see it.

[Quakerfriend]

4. And you too

Much thanks as always for your incredible posts!